A modern nomad

I prefer to experience instead of counting the countries I have traveled through.

Connecting the nomadic creations

Probably I have traveled close to, or over 90 countries and cycled through half of this number. And I keep seeing women spending time with a considerable amount of producing handicrafts. Perhaps because they have no means to buy what they are making, perhaps because they want to keep traditions alive, perhaps because they find this a way to drift and get their mind stabilized, perhaps they just love being creative. Or maybe that is just what their mothers did and so they do. A creation made out of boredom and obligation is never a good one, so I believe these women are creative because they love what they are doing.

And so do I…

Creativity and travel are an intrinsic part of me. Wherever I go, my gaze goes automatically to the clothing of the population. I am not so much focused on ‘fashion’, but all the more on styles and the accessories the person wears. Often with much less awareness; grace with a meaning. Clothing is often made with traditional patterns. Useful items may be a time-consuming processes, and almost always done by hand.

Now, living the life of a modern nomad -which is actually a wrong description because I can choose what I want, a real nomad not- I move myself forward at own force too. I am frequently found in nature and my eyes keep searching for shapes and ways to turn them into useful objects.

Objects seen through the eyes of a nomad as precious. Because they look exorbitant. Time, thoughts, feelings and nature is put into each object. The alteration, colors and striking details gives a simple nomadic lifestyle a wonderful enhancement.

These may be pockets where money is stored in, belts holding a garment in place, strings for a similar reason, pouches to store objects in.

I’m looking for usable materials such as shells, sheep hair, twigs, thrown away textile, unidentifiable shapes. I go to local shops where I buy yarn, beads and threads. And so I form traditional utensils to my own understanding.

It is my wish to give this through, and however small, I believe in the beauty of handmade adornments which never get out of fashion. Have you ever seen a nomad dressed old-fashioned?